A Hands-On Review of OKMO LiFePO4 Batteries for RVs
When it comes to powering an RV, reliability and efficiency are critical. While they’ve been around since 2000 in lithium batteries, OKMO (okmotech.com) has more recently entered the market for RVers, offering features that work well with the RV lifestyle. We got our hands on a set of batteries and put it through their paces. Here is our opinion of this product.
Note: We are full-time RVers and will continue to use these batteries and will also give updated long-term opinions. However, in the interest of informing our readers while they might take advantage of some of the pricing offered by an emerging battery company, we put the batteries through a more intensive short-term testing period. OKMO offers LiFePO4 batteries suitable for RV use in 100Ah, 200Ah, and 300Ah sizes and are constantly adding new variations. We tested the standard 200Ah size for our review.
Performance in Real-World Conditions
One of the standout features of the OKMO LiFePO4 battery is its impressive energy capacity and consistency. During our extended test run, the battery powered essential appliances, including a refrigerator, lights, and an inverter for charging laptops and phones. Despite running these devices continuously, the battery held its charge exceptionally well. With a capacity of 200Ah, we rarely found ourselves needing to recharge it more than once every few days.
Additionally, the OKMO battery performed admirably in varying temperatures. We encountered both hot desert conditions and cooler mountain nights, and the battery’s performance remained consistent. Its built-in Battery Management System (BMS) ensured safe operation, even during high-drain activities like using the microwave or running a portable air conditioner.
Lightweight and Compact Design
OKMO’s LiFePO4 battery is remarkably lightweight compared to traditional lead-acid options. At just under 25 pounds at 100Ah, and 45 pounds at 200Ah, it was easy to install and fit snugly into the RV’s battery compartment. The reduced weight not only made handling easier but also contributed to better fuel efficiency for the RV overall.
Charging Efficiency
One of the most impressive aspects of the OKMO battery is its fast and efficient charging. Using our significant solar setup with a compatible MPPT charge controller, the battery reached full charge in just a few hours of peak sunlight. Even when plugged into a standard AC charger, the charging time was noticeably quicker than with traditional lead-acid batteries. This rapid charging capability was a game-changer, allowing us to spend more time enjoying the outdoors rather than worrying about power levels.
Built-In Safety Features
Safety is a major concern for any RV owner, and OKMO has taken this seriously. The battery’s BMS protects against overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, and overheating. During one incident where we intentionally tried to overload the system while monitoring it carefully, the battery automatically shut down to prevent damage as promised. This feature gave us peace of mind, knowing that our investment and safety were well-protected.
Longevity and Cost Efficiency
While LiFePO4 batteries like OKMO’s come with a very minimal higher upfront cost, the long-term savings are undeniable. With a lifespan of over 4,000 charge cycles, this battery will likely outlast the RV itself. Compared to the frequent replacements required for lead-acid batteries, the OKMO battery’s durability translates into significant cost savings over time. Considering their aggressive price discounts as the enter the RV market, at prices as low as $199 for 100Ah at the time of this writing on the OKMO website. It’s hard not to be able to justify entering the convenient world of lithium batteries. Frankly, they almost cost as much as the deep cycle 6v lead acid batteries they replaced, with a greater discharge depth (more capacity) and a much longer expected lifespan.
User-Friendly Design
Another highlight of the OKMO LiFePO4 battery is its user-friendly design. The clear, concise but detailed instruction manual made installation straightforward, even for someone with limited technical knowledge. The battery’s terminals are easy to connect, ensuring a secure and reliable setup.
Real-World Scenarios
- Boondocking in the Desert: During a week-long stay in a remote desert location, the OKMO battery powered all our essential systems, including lights, a fan, and a portable cooler. Even with no access to external power, the battery’s performance was flawless.
- Cold Weather Camping: At altitude in winter months, where temperatures dipped below freezing, the battery’s low-temperature protection kicked in, ensuring safe operation. This feature is especially valuable for RVers who enjoy all-season travel.
If you aren’t familiar, lithium batteries can discharge below freezing (and in fact do so more efficiently than lead acid at that temperature), however you should not charge the battery at that temperature as it can do damage. The BMS prevented the solar from charging the battery allowing us to disable the solar breaker and use it for discharge usage only. - Daily Charging Needs: Besides charging using solar panels and shore hookups, on travel days, the battery charged effortlessly via the RV’s alternator, keeping us powered up and ready for the next destination. It also worked flawlessly with our generator.
Customer Service
While OKMO is not a new company (it’s been around since 2000), their new focus on RV-friendly batteries makes them a newer name to we RVers. And we always have to ask about how robust the customer service is for a newer company. This is always hard to assess as every experience is going to be different. One order may go flawless for someone, while another has issues. The question is how they respond when something happens.
Well we had a mishap in shipping, entirely FedEx Grounds fault, but there was significant damage to one box, causing the battery to leak into the box. I have no idea what they did while in transit, but it had taken a significant impact to one corner of the box. We contacted OKMO and for our experience, were happy that they quickly resolved the issue, replacing the battery without incident. So as far as our experience, we were happy with their attention to finding a solution.
Final Thoughts
The OKMO LiFePO4 battery appears to be an excellent investment for any RV owner seeking a reliable, efficient, and safe power solution. Its combination of long lifespan, lightweight design, and advanced safety features makes it a standout choice in the market. With it’s aggressive pricing without sacrificing manufacturing experience or features, I think OKMO is a solid choice for RV use.
The entire selection of RV ready lithium batteries can be found on Amazon or the OKMO website.
We will be providing a more long-term review once we have put some months on these batteries. Keep an eye out for that in upcoming months.
Are you now ready to learn even more about lithium batteries? We have many more articles on the subject that provide even more details. Here are some other suggested topics to read:
Understanding Lithium Batteries for RVs: A Simple Guide
Ready for Lithium Batteries? Things to Consider First
How Safe are Lithium Batteries in an RV?
Understanding Power Use in an RV - Calculating Your Usage
Product Review for OKMO Tech Lithium RV Batteries
How Much Can You Discharge a Lead-Acid vs. Lithium RV Battery Before Damaging It?
